Burundi

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Burundi, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Burundi

Capital

Burundi is a landlocked country located in east-central Africa.

Main Cities

Rwanda, Tanzania, The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Local Languages

Kirundi, English and French

Currency

Burundian Franc

Climate

Tropical

General Visa Requirements:

Valid crew passports are recommended with at least 6 months’ validity. A letter from the production company or employer confirming the purpose of travel is required. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all crew.

Required Documents:

Crew passports
Letter from production company / employer
Yellow fever vaccination certificate

Visa Application Process:

http://burundiembassy-usa.com/index.php/en/consular-services/visa-services

Processing Time:

Visas are available on arrival at the airport or through a Burundian embassy prior to travel. If applied for in advance, processing can take up to approximately 2 weeks.

Cost:

USD 100, paid by client on arrival.

Accreditation Requirements:

Burundi generally uses press or media accreditation instead of a traditional film license. Accreditation is usually arranged with local authorities and government media offices. Accreditation is required before importing filming equipment.

Required Documents:

Letter from production company / employer
Crew CVs or resumes
Project synopsis
Crew passports

Processing Time:

2 weeks minimum

Cost:

USD 300

Issuing Organization:

Filming permissions are handled by the Ministry of Communication / Media and, depending on the production type, the National Office of Tourism. Burundi typically uses Press Accreditation in place of a separate film license.

Required Documents:

Project synopsis
Crew passports
Letter from production company / employer
Filming schedule and locations (recommended)

Processing Time:

14 working days minimum

Cost:

Burundi typically uses Press Accreditation in place of a separate film license.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Permission must be obtained from the property owner or local authority.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Upon request or negotiated with the owner.

Drone Regulations:

Drone importation is allowed. Formal regulation is currently limited, but permits are still required for drone operation.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone importation is allowed, subject to permit approval.

Permit Issuance:

Civil Aviation Authority of Burundi.

Timing:

2 weeks

Cost:

USD 400

Carnet Status:

Burundi is not an ATA Carnet country.

Required Documents:

Equipment kit list
Serial numbers
Purchase / replacement value

Issuing Organization:

Burundi Revenue Authority

Timing:

Usually cleared on arrival.

Cost:

No official fee stated, but a contingency budget of USD 1,000 is recommended for possible duties or administrative fees.

General Overview:

Burundi is generally safe for production teams but requires careful planning. Political and cultural topics may require additional approvals.

Security Requirements:

Hiring 1–2 armed police officers during filming is recommended.
Avoid filming sensitive locations such as military sites, government facilities, and border areas.